Nestled in the hills of Rustic Canyon in Pacific Palisades lies the haunting remains of Murphy Ranch, a failed 1930s pro-Nazi compound. This hidden site was built by Winona and Norman Stephens, a wealthy couple influenced by a shadowy figure known as “Herr Schmidt.” He convinced them to construct a self-sustaining base in anticipation of a Nazi takeover in the United States.
Pacific Palisades, known for its natural beauty and affluent community, became an unlikely backdrop for this bizarre venture. The ranch featured a concrete bunker, water storage tanks, and facilities meant to sustain operations for years. Workers maintained the compound, while the Stephens planned to use it as a headquarters for pro-Nazi propaganda.
The project came to an abrupt end in 1941 after the U.S. entered World War II. Federal agents raided the site, halting its operations. The ranch was abandoned, and its eerie ruins remain tucked away in the serene trails of Rustic Canyon.
Today, Murphy Ranch is part of Pacific Palisades’ strange history. Its graffiti-covered structures draw hikers and history enthusiasts who marvel at the juxtaposition of the Palisades’ stunning landscapes and the dark intentions that once lingered there.
Hidden in the hills of Rustic Canyon in Pacific Palisades lies Murphy Ranch, a failed 1930s pro-Nazi compound. Once envisioned as a self-sustaining Nazi base, this eerie site now contrasts sharply with the affluent neighborhoods of the Palisades.🧵1/3👇 pic.twitter.com/Ak3UbfSAYN
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